CN108407684B

CN108407684B - Internal upper seat back support for driving and recumbent seats

Info

Publication number: CN108407684B
Application number: CN201810113358.3A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 乔纳森·安德鲁·莱恩; 马克·席尔瓦·康德拉德; 罗伯特·达梅罗; 保罗·雅各班; 丹尼尔·费雷蒂
Original assignee: Ford Global Technologies LLC
Current assignee: Ford Global Technologies LLC
Priority date: 2017-02-09
Filing date: 2018-02-05
Publication date: 2020-06-16
Anticipated expiration: 2038-02-05
Also published as: RU2693619C1; MX367088B; TR201801499A2; US10166900B2; CN108407684A; MX2018001544A; DE102018102623B4; US20180222362A1; DE102018102623A1

Abstract

A vehicle seat assembly includes a frame having first and second side members. A seat back and a head restraint are supported on the frame. The plate member includes a lower pivot rod pivotally connected between the first and second side members of the frame. The plate member is disposed adjacent a top portion of the seat back below the head restraint. The bladder receptacle is disposed between the plate and the frame and is operable between an expanded state to pivot the plate forward to support one of the upper back and neck of the occupant and a contracted state to pivot the plate rearward into the seat back.

Description

Internal upper seat back support for driving and recumbent seats

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to a seat back support for a vehicle seat assembly and, more particularly, to an interior upper seat back support for a driving and recumbent seat (sleeper seat) of a vehicle seat assembly.

Background

Seat assemblies and the flexibility of these seat assemblies are becoming increasingly important in today's world. Having an adjustable seat assembly is valuable in providing increased working time and increased comfort to the individual. Some seat assemblies include an upper chest support that is adjustable between forward and rearward positions. Providing an aesthetically pleasing upper back support that is consistent with the rest of the seat and is generally seamless provides value to the consumer.

Disclosure of Invention

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle seat assembly includes a frame having first and second side elements. A seat back and a head restraint are supported on the frame. The plate (paddle) includes a lower pivot rod pivotally connected between the first and second side members of the frame. The plate member is disposed adjacent a top portion of the seat back below the head restraint. A bladder receptacle (blader) is disposed between the plate and the frame and is operable between an expanded state pivoting the plate forward to support one of an upper back and neck of an occupant and a contracted state pivoting the plate rearward into the seat back.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, a seat assembly includes a frame having first and second side members. The seat back is supported on the frame. The plate member includes a lower pivot rod pivotally connected between the first and second side members of the frame. The bladder container is disposed between the plate and the frame and is operable between an expanded state corresponding to a forward position of the plate and a contracted position corresponding to a rearward position of the plate.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle seat assembly includes a frame. The seat back is supported on the frame. The plate may be pivotally connected with the upper portion of the frame. The bladder receptacle is disposed between the plate and the frame and is configured to expand to pivot the plate relative to the frame between a forward position and a rearward position.

According to the present invention, there is provided a vehicle seat assembly comprising:

a frame having a first side member and a second side member;

a seat back and a head restraint supported on the frame;

a plate member having a lower pivot rod pivotally connected between the first and second side members of the frame, the plate member being disposed adjacent a top portion of the seat back below the head restraint; and

a capsule-like container provided between the plate member and the frame and operable between:

an inflated state in which the plate member pivots forward to support one of the upper back and the neck of the occupant; and

a retracted state in which the plate pivots rearwardly into the seat back.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the vehicle seat assembly further comprises:

a first upper support flange and a second upper support flange extending upwardly from the seat back.

configured to align the first and second slots with the first and second upper support flanges.

a cushion assembly disposed on the plate member.

a shoulder disposed on each end of the lower pivot rod and including an over-travel lug configured to prevent over-rotation of the plate member.

apertures defined in the first and second side members configured to receive a shoulder of the lower pivot rod in snap-fit engagement.

a spring tab disposed below the lower pivot rod, the spring tab configured to rotate the plate member rearwardly upon contraction of the bladder container.

According to the present invention, there is provided a seat assembly comprising:

a frame having a first side member and a second side member;

a seat back supported on the frame;

a plate having a lower pivot rod pivotally connected between the first and second side members of the frame; and

a bladder container disposed between the plate and the frame and operable between an expanded state corresponding to a forward position of the plate and a contracted state corresponding to a rearward position of the plate.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the seat assembly further comprises:

a cushion assembly disposed on the plate member.

a frame;

a seat back supported on the frame;

a plate pivotally connected with the upper portion of the frame; and

a bladder receptacle disposed between the plate and the frame and configured to expand to allow the plate to pivot relative to the frame between a forward position and a rearward position.

first and second slots configured to align with the first and second upper support flanges.

a cushion assembly disposed on the plate member.

These and other aspects, objects, and features of the disclosure will be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art upon studying the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.

Drawings

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of a seat assembly of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the seat assembly of the present disclosure disposed in a vehicle;

FIG. 3 is a partial front view of the seat assembly of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view of a lower pivot rod for use with the seat assembly of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a partial front view of a lever cap pivotally connectable with a seat frame of the seat assembly of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of a plate for use with the seat assembly of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7A is a side cross-sectional view of a plate operatively connected with the seat assembly of the present disclosure and in a retracted position;

FIG. 7B is a side cross-sectional view of the seat assembly of FIG. 7A with the plate in an extended position;

FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view of a seat frame of the seat assembly of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 is a top view of the seat assembly of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a side perspective view of an upper thoracic cushioning support in a retracted position for use in the seat assembly of the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 is a side perspective view of an upper thoracic cushioning support in an extended position for use in the seat assembly of the present disclosure; and

fig. 12 is a rear perspective view of an occupant using the upper chest support of the seat assembly of the present disclosure.

Detailed Description

For purposes of the description herein, the terms "upper," "lower," "right," "left," "rear," "front," "vertical," "horizontal," and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in fig. 1. It is to be understood, however, that the invention may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

In this document, relational terms such as first and second, top and bottom, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms "comprises," "comprising," or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further restriction, an element prefixed with "comprising … … a" does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in a process, method, article or apparatus that comprises the element.

Referring to the embodiment generally illustrated in fig. 1-12, reference numeral 10 generally designates a seat assembly (fig. 2) including a frame 12 having first and

second side members

14, 16. A seat back 18 and a head restraint 20 are supported on the frame 12. The plate 22 includes a lower pivot rod 24 pivotally connected between the first and

second side members

14, 16 of the frame 12. The plate 22 is disposed adjacent a top portion 26 of the seat back 18, below the head restraint 20. The bladder container 30 is disposed between the plate 22 and the frame 12 and is operable between an expanded state (fig. 7B) in which the plate 22 is pivoted forward to support at least one of the upper back and neck of an occupant, and a contracted state (fig. 7A) in which the plate 22 is pivoted rearward into the seat back 18.

As shown in FIG. 1, the seat assembly 10 is generally configured for use in a variety of environments, including residential or commercial uses, as well as for a vehicle 50. The seat assembly 10 generally includes a seat base 52 supported on legs 54. The feet 54 may be operatively connected to a floor 56 of the vehicle 50. It should be understood that the feet 54 may be slidably connected with the floor 56 or may maintain a fixed position relative to the floor 56 of the vehicle 50. The seat base 52 extends upwardly from the legs 54 and is configured to support a suspension assembly 58 and a seating portion 60. The seating portion 60 includes a cushion assembly configured to provide comfort to the occupant. In addition, the seating portion 60 includes a rear portion 62 and a front portion 64. The front portion 64 may include separate thigh supports 66, 68, the separate thigh supports 66, 68 being configured to independently support each leg of the occupant. The seat back 18 is operatively connected with the seating portion 60 and is configured to pivot relative to the seating portion 60. Additionally, the seat back 18 may include one or more seat back arms 70 pivotally connected with the seat back 18. The seatback arm 70 provides support for the occupant's arm. The seat back 18 includes a lower lumbar cushion 72 and an upper thoracic cushion 74. The upper chest cushion 74 is disposed adjacent the plate 22 and is configured to pivot relative to the seat back 18. The seat back 18 also includes side support pads 76 configured to support both sides of the occupant. A head restraint headrest 20 is disposed on the seat back 18 and is operable between a plurality of upright positions relative to the seat back 18.

Referring again to fig. 1 and 2, the seat assembly 10 is generally configured to provide a sleeping facility for an occupant. Thus, the seat back 18 is configured to be pivotable rearwardly relative to the seating portion 60 such that the seating portion 60 and the seat back 18 are aligned or nearly aligned (fig. 2). In this configuration, the seat assembly 10 may provide comfort to an occupant who wishes to rest or sleep for a period of time without compromising the safety of the vehicle 50. To provide better comfort and support to the upper back of the occupant, the plate 22 may be pivoted upwardly into abutting contact with the upper portion of the occupant's back. This additional support relieves the occupant of the head and neck.

Referring now to fig. 3 and 4, plate 22 is shown in greater detail. The plate 22 includes an arcuate body 80 that extends across an upper portion of the seat back 18. The plate 22 is pivotable about an axis defined by a lower pivot rod 24. The lower pivot rod 24 is configured to extend through an aperture 78 defined in each of the first and

second side members

14, 16 of the frame 12. Lower pivot rod 24 may be operatively connected to plate 22 or may be integrally formed as part of plate 22. The arcuate body 80 generally follows the contour of the upper back of the occupant. In addition, the plate 22 includes first and second

upper slots

82, 84 configured to align with first and

second alignment fixtures

86, 88 in the form of upper support flanges, the first and

second alignment fixtures

86, 88 being disposed on a top portion of the frame 12 of the seat assembly 10. As plate 22 is moved to the retracted position, first and second

upper slots

82, 84 receive first and

second alignment fixtures

86, 88 of frame 12.

Referring again to fig. 4, plate 22 includes a lower spring leaf 90, which lower spring leaf 90 rotates plate 22 to a retracted position when bladder container 30 is in a collapsed state. The lower spring plate 90 reacts against a transverse member 92 extending transversely between the first and

second side members

14, 16. The spring plate 90 may be formed as part of the plate 22 or may be a structure that is operatively connected to the plate 22. The plate 22 may include a single spring plate 90 or a plurality of spring plates 90. In any event, the leaf spring 90 deflects away from the transverse element 92 as the bladder container 30 expands and rotates the plate 22 forward. When bladder container 30 is deflated, spring leaf 90 forces plate 22 to rotate back to the retracted position.

Referring now to fig. 5, the distal end 100 of the lower pivot rod 24 includes a shoulder in the form of a rod cap 102 having a generally circular configuration. Each lever cap 102 includes a lug 104 that prevents over travel of plate 22 when plate 22 is moved to the extended position. The wand cap 102 may be snap-fittingly engaged with the first and

second side elements

14, 16. Stops 106 (fig. 8) on the rear portions of the first and

second side members

14, 16 are configured to abut the lugs 104 on the lever cap 102 of the lower pivot lever 24. Overtravel lugs may also be provided on stem cap 102 to prevent plate 22 from moving too far back when bladder container 30 is moved to the collapsed condition and plate 22 is moved to the retracted position. In the embodiment shown in fig. 5, the outer portion 108 of the lower pivot rod 24 extends through the respective receiving holes 78 in the first and

second side members

14, 16 and is rotatable within the receiving holes 78. The interior portion 112 of the lower pivot rod 24 adjacent the plate 22 may be bare or may be coated with plastic or other polymeric material. It should be understood that plate 22 may be constructed of a variety of materials including plastic, metal, and the like. Regardless of the material selected, the plate 22 will have at least some limited ability to deflect under the weight of the occupant, yet provide adequate support for the upper back of the occupant.

Referring now to fig. 6, the distal end 100 of the lower pivot rod 24 extends into the receiving hole 78 but is hidden behind the front faces of the first and

second side members

14, 16. Bladder container 30 is disposed behind plate 22. Bladder 30 may be operatively connected to the rear portion of frame 12 by fasteners, adhesives, hook-and-loop attachments, or the like. The front portion of bladder container 30 is slidably connected to the rear portion of plate 22. Therefore, as bladder container 30 expands, plate member 22 rotates forward to slide relative to bladder container 30. It should be understood that bladder container 30 may also be operatively connected to the rear of plate 22 and slidably connected to the top portion of frame 12. In this case, as the bladder container 30 is expanded, the bladder container 30 will slide along the top portion of the frame 12. Regardless, bladder container 30 is operable between an expanded state and a contracted state to move plate 22 between the extended and retracted positions, respectively. Additionally, it should be understood that the plate 22 is hidden beneath the upper chest cushion 74 of the seat back 18. Therefore, the plate-like member 22 is not exposed to the occupant.

Referring now to fig. 7A and 7B, the movement of plate 22 from the retracted position to the extended position is shown. Movement of plate 22 from the retracted position to the extended position is made possible by bladder container 30 operable between a contracted state (fig. 7A) and an expanded state (fig. 7B). As previously described, the lugs 104 on the wand cap 102 are configured to engage with the stops 106 on the first and

second side elements

14, 16 of the frame 12 to prevent overtravel of the plate 22.

Referring now to fig. 8 and 9, the seat assembly 10 is shown in greater detail with portions of the seat assembly 10 removed to illustrate the internal workings of the plate 22, and the movement of the plate 22 relative to the seat back 18. Notably, the plate 22 is disposed on a top portion of the seat back 18 behind the upper chest cushion 74. The upper cross member 120 of the frame 12 includes a post receiving aperture 122 configured to receive a post of the head restraint headrest 20. It is generally contemplated that the plate 22 and upper chest cushion 74 are designed to act in concert with the head restraint 20 to provide the same supportive interface to the upper back, neck and head of the occupant. As noted herein, it should also be understood that the support angle between the upper chest cushion 74 and the head restraint headrest 20 may vary based on the preferences of the occupant and the size and shape of the head, neck and upper back of different occupants.

Referring now to fig. 10-12, the movement of the upper chest cushion 74 is shown. Upper chest cushion 74 is operable between a retracted position (fig. 10) and an extended position (fig. 11) because plate 22, which is behind upper chest cushion 74, can rotate forward and backward about lower pivot rod 24. It should be understood that plate 22 may be adjusted by manual operation of an actuator that activates a fluid pump (e.g., air pump) in fluid communication with bladder container 30 and expands or contracts bladder container 30. It should also be understood that bladder 30 may be part of an autonomous comfort system that expands and contracts based on user preference or based on relative rotation of seat back 18 with respect to seating portion 60. For example, the seat back 18 may be rotated relative to the seating portion 60 to align the seat back 18 with the seating portion (allowing the occupant to rest or sleep), and during this process, the bladder container 30 may be gradually inflated as the seat back 18 is lowered. Additionally, bladder receptacle 30 may be adjusted to collapse as seat back 18 returns to a more upright position (typical for commuting). The volume of fluid (most likely air) provided to bladder reservoir 30 may be dictated by a control circuit operatively connected to the fluid pump. The control circuit may also be operable to receive instructions for allowing manual expansion and contraction of the bladder container 30 to achieve a desired state of the upper chest cushion 74 between the extended and retracted positions.

One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the inventive concepts and other component configurations described are not limited to any particular materials. Other exemplary embodiments of the invention disclosed herein may be formed from a wide variety of materials, unless otherwise specified.

For the purposes of this disclosure, the term "connected" (in its entirety, connected, coupling, connected, etc.) generally means that two components (electrical or mechanical) are connected to each other either directly or indirectly. Such connections may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved through the two components (electrical or mechanical) and any additional intermediate elements being integrally formed with each other or with the two components as a single unitary body. Such attachment may be permanent in nature or removable or releasable unless otherwise indicated.

It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the present disclosure as shown in the exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present inventions have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, the operation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, the length or width of the structures and/or elements or connectors or other elements of the system may be varied, and the nature or number of adjustment positions provided between the elements may be varied. It should be noted that the elements and/or assemblies of the system may be constructed from any of a variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability in any of a wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this invention. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the desired and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present inventions.

It is to be understood that any described process or steps in a described process may be combined with other disclosed processes or steps to form structures within the scope of the present disclosure. The exemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not to be construed as limiting.

It is also to be understood that variations and modifications can be made on the aforementioned structures and methods without departing from the concepts of the present disclosure, and further it is to be understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the following claims unless these claims by their language expressly state otherwise.

Claims

1. A vehicle seat assembly, comprising:

a frame having a first side element and a second side element;

a seat back and a head protection headrest supported on the frame;

a plate having a lower pivot bar pivotally connected between the first and second side members of the frame, the plate disposed adjacent a top portion of the seat back below the head protection headrest; and

a bladder container disposed between the plate and the frame and operable between:

an inflated state in which the plate pivots forward to support one of an upper back and a neck of an occupant; and

a retracted state wherein the plate is pivoted rearwardly into the seat back.

2. The vehicle seat assembly of claim 1, further comprising:

3. The vehicle seat assembly of claim 2, further comprising:

a first slot and a second slot configured to align with the first upper support flange and the second upper support flange.

4. The vehicle seat assembly of claim 1, further comprising:

a cushion assembly disposed on the plate.

5. The vehicle seat assembly of claim 1, further comprising:

a shoulder disposed on each end of the lower pivot rod and including an over-travel lug configured to prevent over-rotation of the plate.

6. The vehicle seat assembly of claim 5, further comprising:

a hole defined in the first and second side elements, the hole configured to receive the shoulder of the lower pivot rod in snap-fit engagement.

7. The vehicle seat assembly of claim 1, further comprising:

a spring plate disposed below the lower pivot rod, the spring plate configured to rotate the plate rearwardly upon contraction of the bladder container.

8. A seat assembly, comprising:

a frame having a first side element and a second side element;

a seat back supported on the frame;

a plate having a lower pivot bar pivotally connected between the first and second side elements of the frame, the plate disposed adjacent a top portion of the seat back; and

9. A vehicle seat assembly, comprising:

a frame;

a seat back supported on the frame;

a plate disposed adjacent a top portion of the seat back and pivotally connected with an upper portion of the frame; and

a bladder receptacle disposed between the plate and the frame and configured to expand to allow the plate to pivot between a forward position and a rearward position relative to the frame.